To showcase and pass along the long history and cultural heritage of traditional Chinese martial arts, The Global Times, in collaboration with Beijing Martial Art Sports Association and NetEase 24 Entertainment, has launched the Chinese Martial Arts Heritage Protection and Inheritance Plan, which has recently become available in the game Naraka: Bladepoint.
The Most Iconic Element of Chinese Culture
Chinese martial arts embody the wisdom of the Chinese nation with their long history and rich traditions. According to the China National Image Global Survey Report 2018, released by the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies in 2019, martial arts are the most representative element of Chinese culture, following Chinese cuisine and traditional Chinese medicine. Martial arts emphasize the harmony between strength and gentleness, the cultivation of both internal and external accomplishments, and embody China’s worldview and understanding of life. Different types, such as the gentle and flowing Tai Chi, the powerful and vigorous Shaolin Kung Fu, and the steady and restrained Xingyi Quan, all inherit unique techniques and philosophical thoughts, representing different values and wisdom.
Although Chinese martial arts are much-treasured and have a long history, their traditions currently face the risk of dying out, and some martial arts styles and manuals lack apprentices. Therefore, The Global Times, in collaboration with Naraka: Bladepoint, launched the Chinese Martial Arts Heritage Protection and Inheritance Plan to share the meaning of Chinese martial arts and promote its inheritance and development in modern society. This plan focuses on traditional techniques, philosophy, and cultural connotations found in Chinese martial arts and introduces them to global players through the game. In addition, the plan also organizes related activities inviting renowned martial arts masters and game developers to discuss the integration of martial arts and games, promoting mutual exchange.
Naraka: Bladepoint, as a Chinese-style multiplayer battle royale, finds innovative ways to explore the essence of traditional martial arts for players. Each character in the game portrays a martial arts figure with unique skills and backstories, engaging in intense combat with stunning moves and fluid actions inspired by various types of Chinese martial arts. The goal of the Chinese Martial Arts Heritage Protection and Inheritance Plan is to utilize the power of games to bring Chinese martial arts onto the global stage, allowing more people to understand and respect Chinese culture. The plan also aims to spark the younger generation's interest and love for traditional culture, promoting the inheritance of Chinese martial arts.
Depicting the Origin, Evolution, and State of Chinese Martial Arts
Martial arts are iconic representations of traditional sports in China, with a long history and profound tradition. According to a 2021 survey on the image of martial arts culture in six major regions and seven countries in the "Belt and Road" initiative, 75.5% of those surveyed expressed a willingness to learn and understand martial arts.
In order to promote traditional Chinese martial arts and culture, the Chinese Martial Arts Heritage Protection and Inheritance Plan has produced a series of digitized martial arts movements and promotional videos, depicting the origin, evolution, and state of Chinese martial arts in video format. This way, more martial arts practitioners will understand how to use digital methods to promote, record, and pass along the various styles of Chinese martial arts, thus inspiring a sense of identity with traditional culture. Such content will be translated and localized into multiple languages and cultural backgrounds to reach international audiences, introducing the history, styles, philosophy, and cultural connotation of Chinese martial arts.
With support from local governments and martial arts experts, this initiative has arranged for martial arts enthusiasts and players alike to visit the birthplaces of influential martial arts styles such as Shaolin Kung Fu and Tai Chi, and representative martial arts birthplaces like Foshan and Dengfeng. Enthusiasts and players can gain a deeper understanding of local martial arts culture and learn traditional martial arts by practicing the techniques themselves. This way, more people can appreciate Chinese martial arts. In the game’s demo videos, character model movements are smooth and full of life, reflecting distinct martial arts routines and techniques in large part because of the participation of martial arts experts and athletes.
Those in the Chinese Martial Arts Heritage Protection and Inheritance Plan have visited martial arts inheritors, martial arts sects, martial arts associations, renowned universities, local governments, and martial arts athletes. Participants include Xing Dengjiang, Vice Chairman of Beijing Martial Art Sports Association and a Chinese martial arts eighth dan; national-level athletes; national Wushu team members; Chinese martial arts sixth dan; and national Wushu champion Xue Tailai, among others. According to the plan, the five major martial arts styles—Tai Chi, Shaolin, Wing Chun, Xingyi, and Bako—and their corresponding equipment will be digitized and uploaded into a computer. Each style will have designated individuals, such as Bai Jianfei for Xingyi Quan and Xingyi Hook, and Zhang Ziya for Wing Chun, Wing Chun Eight-Slash Knife, and Baji Quan, etc.
The plan will also invite martial arts enthusiasts and gamers to learn Shaolin Kung Fu at the Shaolin Temple. They will have to wake up at 4 o'clock in the morning for morning chants and martial arts practice, starting from the basics to eventually being able to perform a complete set of techniques with precision. After these enthusiasts leave the Shaolin Temple, they will also become important promoters of martial arts culture, raising awareness that martial arts are not far-flung or mysterious, thus making martial arts more accessible to the general public and better promoting the inheritance of martial arts.
Demonstrating the Influence of Chinese Martial Arts
Martial arts have long evolved, gradually forming a profound and extensive cultural system. The current cultural image of martial arts needs an upgrade. The Chinese Martial Arts Heritage Protection and Inheritance Plan provides new technological support and talent for martial arts.
Through Naraka: Bladepoint and the Chinese Martial Arts Heritage Protection and Inheritance Plan, martial arts culture has gained a way to flourish on a global scale, showcasing the wisdom and culture of the Chinese nation in a completely new form.
